Coveney 'unaware' of pylon health concerns

Another senior minister has said he is not aware of any health risks posed by pylons.

Responding to questions about Eirgrid's controversial proposals to erect over a thousand pylons nationwide, agriculture minister Simon Coveney says we have an economic and moral responsibility to find alternatives to carbon-based energy sources.

Minister Coveney has echoed comments from the Taoiseach Enda Kenny, who said the future growth of the economy is dependent on the upgrading of our energy infrastructure.

He said we need to take a scientific approach to any health concerns about pylons.

Mr Coveney said: "We need to look at and not ignore concerns as they arise.

"We are in a process here, it's a difficult process, it's a combative process for the people who are very angry at this potential development.

"I think people need to understand that if Ireland as an economy is to grow and expand, we have to be able to find a way of moving energy around this country."